AMEA Power advances Agadir desalination with wind energy

Wednesday 06 August 2025 - 10:20

By: Dakir Madiha

AMEA Power advances Agadir desalination with wind energy

Dubai-based energy firm AMEA Power has announced its involvement in the second phase of Morocco’s Agadir seawater desalination project, a transformative effort set to make the facility one of Africa’s largest water treatment plants. This expansion will boost the plant’s capacity to 400,000 cubic meters of water per day, addressing critical water scarcity challenges in the region.

Wind-powered innovation for sustainable development

To power the expanded facility, AMEA Power is developing a 150-megawatt wind farm located in Laayoune, southern Morocco. This clean energy initiative aligns with Morocco’s ambitious climate goals, ensuring the desalination plant operates sustainably while reducing carbon emissions.

The Dubai-based company has partnered with Spanish firm Cox for this phase of the project. Cox, which developed and currently operates the plant’s first phase, joins AMEA Power in a joint venture that stems from a strategic agreement signed in May 2025. The partnership aims to integrate renewable energy with water infrastructure projects across multiple countries.

Investment and timeline

The second phase of the Agadir project requires an investment exceeding €250 million, encompassing both the desalination plant’s expansion and the wind farm’s construction. The upgraded facility is slated to begin operations by late 2026, with the wind farm expected to generate power starting in 2027.

AMEA Power Chairman Hussain Al Nowais highlighted the company’s commitment to addressing water and energy challenges, stating, “Our participation in this phase of the Agadir desalination project underscores our dedication to providing integrated solutions for sustainable development. This marks our first venture into North Africa’s water sector and demonstrates the potential of long-term partnerships to create impactful change.”

Addressing Morocco’s water and energy needs

The Agadir expansion is a crucial step in Morocco’s broader strategy to enhance its water security and energy independence. By providing reliable drinking water supplies to the region and ensuring the plant is entirely wind-powered, the project exemplifies the country’s leadership in combining renewable energy with essential infrastructure.

Morocco has been proactive in tackling water scarcity through large-scale initiatives. The state-owned phosphate giant OCP recently launched the J2K Water Pipeline, a 203-kilometer project that transports desalinated water from Jorf Lasfar to phosphate mining regions.

The Agadir project not only reinforces Morocco’s position as a renewable energy pioneer but also serves as a model for integrating sustainable solutions to address critical resource challenges across Africa.